MLS will retain its two-conference format next season when San Jose becomes the league’s 14th team, once again scuttling the dreams of those who go to bed every night murmuring “single-table” over and over again.

He's shot pictures from the sidelines of many U.S. national team games. He pondered being part of a Cleveland MLS expansion franchise before that attempt withered. He played a drag-out video-game duel with Landon Donovan to raise money for a worthy soccer cause. Finally, Drew Carey has put his money where his heart is. He's a minority partner in the expansion MLS Seattle franchise scheduled to start play in 2009.

All was merry and light Tuesday at the San Jose Earthquakes offices in Santa Clara, which are literally across the street (El Camino Real, for you cyber-map enthusiasts) from the entrance to Santa Clara University and the team's home for at least the next two seasons, Buck Shaw Stadium.